INTERNATIONAL SQUASH: Farhan goes down fighting in final

ISLAMABAD: Egyptians kept their stranglehold on the Professional Squash Association circuit as Mohamed ElShirbini defeated Pakistan’s Farhan Zaman in a five-game thriller to win the $20,000 Serena Hotels-Huawei International Squash Championship at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex on Wednesday.

The final that could have gone either way saw ElShirbini forcing a much experienced Farhan to follow his game plan most of the time to win 11-5, 5-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8.

“I knew he’s good at the front of the court and that’s why I didn’t want him to play near the tin. Farhan is too good there. If I had played a loose game — or the one that is suited to Farhan — I would have had no chance against him,” world No 74 ElShirbini said while talking to ‘The News’ after landing the title.

Farhan made a slow and tired looking start as ElShirbini raced to a decisive lead in the first game. He kept increasing the advantage to get clear at 8-4 and then wrapped up the game as Farhan hit the tin on a couple of occasions.

It all went well for Farhan in the second as he started playing his normal game and found the range of winners he is famous for. Two delightfully managed cross-court nicks helped Farhan widen the gap to 8-3 before a lengthy rally saw both crashing into each other. Farhan, however, was cool enough to come to level terms.

The rough and tough third game saw both making full use of their potential. While Farhan tried to hit winners, the Egyptian’s every effort was to make the Pakistani play deep rather than presenting him easy winner opportunities in the front of court.

Both again crashed into each other and were down for the count. Farhan made a couple of exciting body dodges to earn crucial points. Two strokes at the fag end of the game helped him take a 2-1 lead.

ElSherbini made a stunning comeback. He put some early pressure on Farhan to take control of the fourth game. The nimble-footed Egyptian used his ability to pick every winner Farhan hit.

His understanding of the game outmaneuvered Farhan, who waited for the loose balls in the front but was kept deep by his opponent.

The fifth game, it seemed, was played according to ElSherbini’s plan. The Egyptian kept Farhan at bay and never allowed him to play to his strength.

Pakistan Olympic Association President Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and awarded trophies and prize money to the players.

Pakistan Squash Federation’s Senior Vice President Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi, squash legends Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan and a large number of dignitaries and squash enthusiasts were also present on the occasion.